Today’s date: Tuesday July 7, 2026
Show Title: The Tragedy Of Antony & Cleopatra
Director: Mili Koncelik
Staff Crew: Analise Toone, Topher Zane (RDAs), Julia Hill, John Spellman (interns)
What we did
9-12: Finished 5.1 and 5.2 from yesterday’s evening run, then went into brief notes. We re-confirmed who pages the discovery curtains for certain scenes (specifically 2.3). The campers (and Mili) used this time to clarify what certain scenes required (tension, how certain words in certain lines are to be said, etc.). Around 9:45, another ASC artist in residence, Nick, graced our rehearsal! Nick gave thoughts and feedback on 2.1 and 2.6 (later on in rehearsal). He left around 11. We created a worklist of scenes/moments/areas of concern that need polishing and/or improving. Then, 4.7 went into a different room to practice the fight scene (mining the sword actions), talked through notes regarding the run of fight scenes during the full run from yesterday. The others stayed in the main room with Mili working to polish some of the work list moments. After the fight group rejoined the rest, Mili worked 3.12 with Caesar, Dolabella, Ambassador, and Thidias. We ran 1.4, 2.1, 2.6 (solidify entry formations). After the break, we began work on polishing some second half scenes, starting with 3.11. We had a mini fight call for 3.13, working the moment Eros drags Thidias out, the scream once behind the curtains, then back on and Thidias’ death drop. We then started from the top of 3.13. We then jumped to 4.6 to 4.7 (fight sequence and all), and to the end of 4.8. For the last 15-ish minutes, campers circled up with Mili where she praised last night’s run, that she is not worried about the show, told the cast to start thinking of ideas for hairstyles for their characters (more male characters: hair tied up – bun or half up-half down; female: half up-half down but nothing in front of the face or eyes). They ended with an elimination game of East Enders. Thank you again, Nick, for coming to a portion of our rehearsal this morning!
2-5: After a game of East Enders and an overview of the afternoon block schedule, we began at 4.12, reviewed blocking, then moved onto 4.14. We then moved onto 4.15 and reviewed and practiced Antony’s (actual) death and Charmian and Iras bringing him offstage. Before doing a run of the latter half (3.8 to 5.2), we took a ten. In which time, we were joined by two other ASC AIRs. Prior to the run, we ran a mini fight call for 5.2 (making sure to have a strong arm when hitting, coordination of hit and sound, etc.). We then began our 3.8 to 5.2 run – it went so well (despite a few bumps). Chris, current ASC AIR, and Alyssa, future ASC AIR and Chris’ wife, gave feedback on what they saw/”advice” acting in the Blackfriars, etc. They were really nice to have and gave really good pearls of advice and wisdom. We then went into fight call for certain scenes, and Topher went over rules for fight call (everyone not involved being quiet, not crossing the stage to avoid getting hurt) starting with 2.5 (Cleopatra and Messenger) then 4.7 (fight scene with swords, miming swords until back in Playhouse). Then, 5.2 when Iras gets punched by Decretus and Cleopatra’s moment with the dagger where she is held down.
Quick and Quotable
- From the play: “Our care and pity is so much upon you that we remain your friend.” Caesar, 5.2; “I have done ill.” Enobarbus, 4.6; “To be sure of that, I will ask Antony.” 3.13; “Favors? By Jove that thunders! What art thou?” Antony 3.13; “Soundly, my Lord.” Servant 3.13; “Dispatch. Enobarbus.” Antony 4.5; “O, make an end of what I have begun.” Antony 4.14; “There is nothing left remarkable beneath the visiting moon.” Cleopatra, 4.15; “Yes, forsooth I wish you joy o’th’worm.” Clown, 5.2
- From the director: “Break my heart, please.” (“On it, boss.” Chiara); “Cleopatra, you need to die slower, like so much slower.” “If it’s not respectful, don’t say it respectfully.” “Buck up, Caesar.” “Always be injured.” “We are at nerd camp.” “Cardboard dagger…we love her.” Laura
- From the cast: “It’s 2003, I need 18,000 belts for one outfit.” Sanchez; “Do I look like a door to you?” Kaleb; “Do something…level 100 spell.” Sanchez; “If they mog all of you, you’re running laps.” Spirit
Production Insights
It is super comforting having more experienced actors see and encourage work being done by younger actors, as they give comments to lift it to that “even better” level. That way, you know you’re doing good work, while being guided on how it can be heightened.
